Digression History: Chapter 4
Digression
Conflict Continuum
Conflicted
Conflicts
Conflicted Rules
CC High Council
A few moments after the front door of the apartment had clicked shut, the door to Rafe's room slowly opened and Caiden peeked his head out and after glancing round stepped out and looked at Rafe. "She didn't stay long." He said but his tone was relieved. "It seems your pretty busy today so we can skip the music lessons. I was actually thinking about going out..get some air. Am I okay to do that?"
Rafe thought for a short moment, then nodded. "Yes, of course," he answered, as if there had been no pause and smiled to try to further show there was nothing to fear. "I would like if you took Ean or Quinn with you, but if you want to go alone, I understand." He looked at Quinn, taking in his body language, and reached out to place his finger tips under the Deiciden's chin. The action was gentle, barely a touch, but something about it forced one to look up at him. He would have asked what was on Quinn's mind, but he already knew and he hated hearing things repeated. "You'll stay here tonight," he told him, and for once, it sounded very much like an order. "With me. But for now, do as you please. I have things to do." His hand moved and he used the other to clasp Caiden's shoulder as he looked at the human again. "Be careful," he said seriously, but offered an encouraging smile and squeezed very gently before letting go. He nodded to them both his farewells before he turned and strode easily out on to the balcony, stepped up on to the chest high wall that surrounded it using a small iron table, and then stepped off, falling out of sight, without the slightest waver of his step.
"I never get used to him doing that.." Caiden muttered after he had finally remembered to take a breath as he watched Rafe casually drop off the side of the building. He turned to Quinn and gave an awkward smile. "You don't have to come with me if you don't want to..i'm just going to take a walk. Making do a little scavenging in some of the old ruins, see if I can find anything interesting." He said allowing Quinn to make his own decision whether he came along or not. He decided he wasn't going to ask Ean for he had never in fact seen the creature leave the apartment before and wasn't sure he would want to.
Quinn watched Rafe go silently, his face not betraying his inner elation at being told to stay for once instead of suggested to go. He waited until the siren was fully out of view before looking back at Caiden and giving him a frown. "Would you like me to go along?" he asked quietly, uncertainly. "No one would bother you were I with you." He made it sound innocuous enough, and it sounded strange coming from someone with all the physical intimidation of a potato.
Caiden shrugged. "I don't want to make you do anything you don't want to. I'd rather you decide for yourself." He replied. "Not that I wouldn't want you to come. You're welcome to.." he added quickly looking a little embarrassed. "Would you like to come for a walk?"
"I can accompany you," Quinn said, letting out a small sigh as Caiden seemed to confuse himself. The boy had a lot of learning to do as far as what he was surrounding himself with. Taking a step closer, Quinn paused and looked at Caiden with a frown. "Just so you are forewarned, associating with one of my kind is frowned upon by most of the creatures you will meet."
"Why?" Caiden asked curiously. He couldn't see anything noticeably dangerous or wrong about Quinn so couldn't understand why others would be against anyone associated themselves with him. He sat down and began lacing his boots up. "What kind are you?" he continued questioning with a brief glance at Quinn.
"Deiciden," Quinn said simply, as if that answered everything. He was a god killer, a destroyer of people. That was all anyone usually needed to know about him to make the decision to stay away. Some felt the thrill of being acquainted with someone so dangerous. But most were really much too frightened of his powers. When they didn't know what he was, he appeared the weak individual, unable to even defend himself. Once they learned, however, his physical being took on an aspect that he didn't actually have.
"Oh..." Caiden replied as if he understood but in reality didn't have a clue. "So thats bad? Being a D..Dei..Deicid
en?" He asked having a little difficulty repeating the word once he had his boots on and had stood up and zipped his jacket up over his chest. "You don't really look that harmful if you don't mind me saying..I think people would be more frightened of me." He chuckled lightly then motioned to the door.
"They would be. Were I not capable of what I am," Quinn said silently. He moved towards the door and opened it, his hand going to where his crossbow was stashed. He didn't know if Caiden would understand his abilities were he to share, but he didn't want to at the moment. Someone not knowing his capabilities would be a different experience. One that he wanted to have.
Caiden raised an eyebrow at Quinn but decided not tp push the subject anymore. It was obvious he wasn't keen to give to much information on what he was. "I don't think theres a name for what I am. I don't think theres been any other humans that suddenly developed creature abilities." He smiled as he pulled his hood up, preferring to try and hide his identity if they were to meet any other creatures from the building. "Lets get out of here." He stepped from the apartment then waited for Quinn to join him.
Exiting the apartment and shutting the door, Quinn gave Caiden a look that the human wouldn't be able to decipher. "That is not entirely true," he offered. "My people were originally human. But we chose our path. Became what we needed to be." He didn't often tell people these things, because most weren't interested. But Caiden shared more in common with Quinn than the boy probably realized.
"Really? Your people decided to stop being human? But..why?" Caiden asked curiously, genuinely interested in why anyone would choose that path. He moved quickly along the corridor then pressed the button for the elevator to take them down to the ground floor.
Quinn did glance towards the stairs, but was willing to take the elevator. Humans were weaker, he already knew this. "Because we were being slowly destroyed by beings far more powerful than us. We gave up our humanity, our ability to reproduce, our mortality, and in turn gained the power to destroy those who would have us call them gods." He said it in such a way that it sounded like a boring history lecture rather than the creation of some of the most powerful beings on the planet.
Caiden listened and for a few moments stood in silence as many questions filled his mind. Finally after stepping into the elevator he turned to look at Quinn. "Are there many of your kind?" He said deciding to start with this one first.
"No," came Quinn's quick answer as he entered the elevator. "There is a finite number of us. Always the same number. When one dies, they are reborn into another being. We do not reproduce, we cannot repopulate, we cannot be destroyed." In anyone else, what he said could have been considered bragging. In Quinn, it was a statement of fact.
"Do you think you would have choose that fate if given the choice?" Caiden replied as he kept his eyes focused on Quinns face and made no movement even when the elevator stopped and the doors opened on the ground floor.
The Deiciden's face didn't change at all as the question was asked. "I was not given the choice. Therefore my answer is irrelevant." In all honesty, while Quinn wasn't a fan of being hated, he couldn't imagine being anyone else. It simply wasn't something he thought about. He was more focused on trying to get through his own life without worrying about such things.
"Oh..I guess you're right." Caiden said with a sigh. He had hoped for some kind of advice or anything that would help him with deciding what he should do but sadly it seemed Quinn had none. He stepped from the elevator and moved towards the exit of the building. "So you're immortal right? How old are you then?" He asked deciding to move the questions on.
"I am not immortal," Quinn said with the first hint of annoyance coming into his tone. "I will die of old age if something else does not kill me first. However my etheria will live on forever, reshaping itself. And it has been around since long before most of this ever existed." He didn't want to tell anyone the exact secrets of his race, so he alluded to some of them without really offering an explanation.
"Sounds complicated." Caiden replied with a small frown as he glanced at Quinn. Once out on the street he paused, looking right and left before choosing which direction he wished to go and took off walking again. "So if you gave up your humanity and everything that comes with it and there's no one for you to fight..what do you do? How do you have fun?" He asked curiously.
Although Quinn's first response was to say he didn't have fun, that wasn't entirely true. He looked over at Caiden and frowned. "I find work to keep me occupied. Anything, really. This is why I originally came to Rafe." Not why he stayed, but why he came. Quinn had been looking for things to do, to keep himself occupied.
"What kind of work? What sort of work does Rafe give you to do?" Caiden questioned further as he walked, kicking a loose stone along the ground as he did. He had never dared ask Rafe what he asked people to do but he saw no harm in asking Quinn.
"Just...work..." Uncertain whether this boy knew about what Rafe was doing, Quinn didn't want to say too much. "Whatever he needs done that I am capable of. Some things I am not, so that work goes to others." Watching the human's feet kick the stone wasn't interesting in the least, so Quinn scanned the area for movement of any kind. He would keep the kid safe, and that wasn't a difficult task really.
"Like that stupid Shade.." Caiden replied with a frown as he glanced briefly at Quinn before finally stopping walking. He turned to look at an old rundown building and gave a small nod. "This looks promising." He said aloud but to no one in particular. Stepping over the low crumbling wall he didn't wait to see if Quinn would follow. "I'm just going to take a look inside. You can wait here if you want." He called as he tested the door handle before pushing it open.
"I better come with you," Quinn said, taking out his crossbow and readying it. He didn't like to venture into some places because he didn't want to encounter any creatures, but with the human doing so, he wanted to put someone in between the mutated human and anyone who might be on the other side of that door.
Caiden raised an eyebrow at the crossbow but thought better of asking about it. He stepped into the house and began wandering through it searching for boxes or something he could look through for anything interesting. "So that guy and girl that were in the apartment earlier.." He said loudly as he thought back on Dash and Talia. "..are they friends of yours?"
"I would like to think that one of them is," Quinn answered as he checked the area as well, but not for boxes. He was scanning for any etheria apart from his own or the weak signature he was getting from the human. Anyone that would want to do them harm.
He's not one of the most talkative people i've ever met. Caiden thought as he ventured into the kitchen then opened the door to the basement. Theres gotta be stuff down there.. He tried the light switch and frowned when nothing happened. He searched his pocket then finally pulled a small torch out and turned it on. "I'll be right back.." He called then began to descend the creaking stairs down into the basement. When he reached the bottom he slowly crept on trying to use the small beam of light to guide him to anything stored there.
Upstairs, floorboards creaked under boots as someone entered the small home, noting the rummaged boxes. Unseen to anyone just yet, it scowled, muscles rippling in agitation under bright red scales. It tilted its head back and breathed deep, zeroing in on the intruder first by scent, and then with a sharp jerk of its head to look in the right direction. It quivered, momentarily, knowing what was in there, but also what was downstairs. Was it hunting? Trying to roll the fury off its tense shoulders in order to preserve its own life, the creature, barely off four feet tall, walked over to the kitchen and looked directly at Quinn. "What are you doing here?" it accused, but didn't attack. Four fists at the ends of four taut arms clenched, trying to contain itself from launching at the creature that currently held death in its arms. Solid black eyes glittered and shifted as they glanced at the cross bow, but without a definite pupil it was uncertain what it was looking at at any time. "Why is there a human downstairs? This building is marked for repairs and you're rummaging about like it's a rubbish bin!"
Quinn let out a breath and eyed the creature in front of him, his crossbow pointed straight at the thing's chest. "I am following one of Rafe's prized possessions. Who is exploring. And this building is not clearly marked. I suggest you take a few steps back." An arrow started to slowly form on his bow as he eyed the creature with stern eyes. This was a side of him that he never showed Rafe, to whom he was almost completely submissive. But other creatures he would not garner any argument.
The red creature cowered in on itself just a fraction, it's eyes looking from Quinn, to the arrow, to all around the room, as if uncertain just what to do about this, but after a moment it tensed again and shook off its indecision. "It was Master Rafe who asked that this building, as well as many others, be repaired. Perhaps if his pet wants to go sniffing in boxes, it should check storage in the warf district." It half scowled at Quinn, as if saying he should have known that. "Contents of all buildings not in use or being repaired have been moved there. So basically... all the junk a pet's weak little heart could desire." It took a step back, moving aside a little and pointed toward the door. "So go, and take it with you. I won't be responsible for that thing getting its head knocked off for being in a construction area."
Caiden sighed when his hopeful search returned nothing of interest. "Yeah this place is empty.." He called to Quinn as he started climbing up the stairs of the basement not realising they had company. "Onto the next one I guess.." he paused to pocket his torch again. "Let's get ou..." his words froze his throat when he stepped back into the kitchen and saw the other creature stood there with Quinn aiming an arrow at its chest.
"Go," Quinn told Caiden, gesturing with his head towards the door. He didn't lower his weapon, though. He hadn't been in town long enough to know where the warf was. Rafe kept him busy in and out of the city. "Tell your friends that Rafe's pet is free to wander the city without harassment, despite being human. But you all should already know that."
Caiden nodded quickly then moved towards the door but stopped abruptly at Quinns words. He turned to look at him a confused frown on his face. "Pet.." he repeated slowly, never having heard himself being referred to in this way. is that what Im meant to be to Rafe? Or do they all think that's the only role I'm fit for.. he thought then glanced at the other creature who was obviously disgusted by his presence. With a final glance at Quinn her turned and bolted from the building, running as fast as he could not caring which direction he went. Finally he burst through the door of another abandoned building and after hurrying inside collapsed next to the blackened fireplace. at home I'd be considered a monster and now it seems here I'm nothing more than a pet.. he pulled his knees up against his chest and buried his face in them as he wrapped his arms round his legs.
"I did know that," the creature snarled very quietly at Quinn after he watched Caiden leave. "It was the only thing keeping me from using his blood to paint the walls...." He turned away, the motion unhurried, and sorted through a couple of boxes until he found the tools he needed and disappeared in to a room in the back. Loud banging followed as he continued his repairs, clearly done with Quinn and the master's pet.
Meanwhile, in the small home Caiden had found himself in, soft, muted scraping found its way to him, and then paused. "You seem distraught," a very pleasant, gentle voice told him. A woman- or at least... something that looked like one, except for the skin- was looking at him with a placid sort of interest. She looked about his age, but her skin was rough, as if made of the bark of a tree. Her hair, a dark brown, was woven with leaves. A nymph. She held a broom, having been cleaning up this residence, now that the repairs were done. Decorators would come last. It was odd to see someone so unhappy in Haven, however, so she was concerned. She set the broom aside and strode over to him with fluid motions, stopping a couple of feet in front of him and crouched down, her silken knee length dress pooling a little behind her on the grimy floor. She took no notice. "Come now, it can't be that awful... Did you see a troll naked? I know I would be quite traumatized by that..."
A soft muffled chuckle sounded from behind Caidens knees but when he finally looked up his eyes were red from tears and his smile was weak and sad as he looked at the strange creature before him. "No fortunately I have not met that nightmarish sight." He slowly wiped his eyes then leaned his head back against the wall so he could stare up at the ceiling. "I do not fit anywhere.." he said quietly then looked back at her with a slight frown. "Am I meant to just be a pet here? Nothing more than an animal?" He asked seriously as his eyes locked with hers.
Quinn came into the house just in time to hear what Caiden said. "You know that most around here associate you as such? I doubt Rafe sees you in that way, however some of the creatures are less than friendly, even to their own kind." Quinn looked over at the woman as he folded his crossbow calmly before turning back to Caiden. "If you run off like that, I cannot be expected to protect you."
"Oohh," the nymph cooed, the noise sounding almost owl-like tinged with her realization. She had looked at Quinn when he entered, but turned back to Caiden now, a pleasant smile lighting up her features. "You're the master's favorite. The one we haven't seen," she said, as if in awe of Caiden. Her smile became just a hint more sympathetic. "If he thought of you as an animal, odds are you would stay caged, or be killed, whichever. But you seem alive and well and free to me." She put an elbow on her knees and used her palm to prop up her chin. "It seems you fit in well here. Rafe- Pardon me-" she corrected herself with a glance at Quinn. "Master Rafe... would not want you here if he didn't feel you fit in with the rest of us. Besides, you must be awfully special, to get to stay so close to him." He expression became a little dreamy. "So many of us would kill for that honor..." She gave a wistful sigh, then focused on him better as she stood once more, extending a hand to him to help him up. "Whoever said something to ruffle your feathers, I wouldn't let it get to you. They are probably just jealous." She giggled and the sound was not unlike twittering spring birds.
"Then I guess you may call him jealous." Caiden replied motioning to Quinn as he carefully took her hand and got to his feet. "It was you that called me a pet, was it not? So there must be some part of you believes it is so." He said to the other man before brushing the dust from his clothes. "And I don't need your protection.." his tone was stubborn. "I've done alright so far on my own." He said even though most of this time alone had been spent in the safety of Rafes apartment. He turned and nodded to the nymph. "Thank you for your help. I'll let you get back to your work."
"I simply referred to you as the creature did. Nothing more," Quinn said. He didn't fully understand Caiden's emotional outburst. But he recognized when he wasn't wanted any longer. "I was not aware that such words would indeed cause such a reaction. My kind do not hold such emotions." He let out a breath and turned, leaving Caiden with the nymph. If the human got killed for refusing the Deiciden's help, then it was hardly his business. Although his face was completely emotionless, he wondered at the Nymph's words. He wasn't jealous of Caiden. The human had no idea of the level of power that Quinn held. But the Nymph said that others wanted to be close to Rafe. Quinn silently wondered what he had to offer to the Siren that he didn't already have in himself. Wandering slowly down the street, just in case Caiden tried to catch up, Quinn was deep in thought, barely watching where he was walking.
"He won't like you leaving him unattended!" the nymph called after Quinn, but waved a hand dismissively when he didn't stop. Instead, she looked at Caiden and gave him another gentle smile. "You are very welcome, any time. Do try to be patient with that one-" The pointed towards the door but didn't look at it. "He really doesn't understand what it means to have feelings. I'm called Twitteroot by the way." She gave him a polite but loose bow. "You can ask for me any time. I know how Master Rafe sometimes asks for attendants for his favorites, I'm sure you are no exception. I would be happy to be so close to someone so precious to him." She gave him a wink and a wave before she turned and swayed away, grabbing her broom to continue cleaning, sure that Caiden would be on his way.
"I wouldn't need an attendant.." Caiden replied as he moved to the door but then paused with his hand on the handle and turned to her smiling brightly now. "..but I'd love if you'd come over as a friend." He waved farewell to the nymph then exited the house. He glanced round then spotted Quinn walking away. With a small sigh he followed after him, quickening his pace until he was walking beside him. "I guess we should just go back now.. there's nothing here and I'm sure Rafe is missing his pet." He said jokingly with a side glance and a smirk. "Oh come on! That was funny! Smile even just a little.." he nudged Quinn lightly with his elbow and chuckled lightly. "I haven't said this yet...but thank you and sorry for snapping at you.You didn't have to come out here with me but you did and I know you probably just think you're doing your job and protecting me because you think that's what Rafe would want you to do but I like to think you chose to do it because secretly you really want to be friends with me, am I right?" He asked playfully as he grinned at Quinn.
Quinn's face did not change at all as he looked over at Caiden. Not even an amused glimmer to his eyes. "I do not really have friends," he said as he turned back to the street, watching for any signs of other creatures approaching. "I have people I know well, and Rafe, but friends are not something I can claim." He knew that he was merely doing his job. Quinn did not need anymore people thinking he cared about them. He was having enough trouble wrestling over his emotions towards Rafe, getting involved with the human would just lead to more trouble. "Deiciden gave up such attachments in favor of being able to do what we do. We do not feel love or joy, we do not want." It was the same thing he told everyone, yet Quinn no longer fully believed it himself.
"Okay..so you don't want to be friends. Understood." Caiden replied with a light frown before shrugging. "Least your honest." He carried on back towards the apartment in silence not really sure now what they should talk about. He glanced at Quinn then couldn't stop himself asking a question. "What would happen if you tried to make a friend?"
"I cannot be certain," Quinn said. Although he was sure there would be a trade off, he wasn't sure what it was. To have what everyone else had, he would gladly give up something. But there would be a price. He looked over at Caiden and frowned. "Why do you all have a predisposition towards wanting to classify an acquaintanceship?"
Caiden gave another small shrug. "Its just something we do. You feel you can trust someone more if you know they're a friend or something like that. I'm not very good at explaining things." He said as he walked into the apartment building and stepped over to the elevator. "I wonder if we're going to be getting anymore visitors today.." He said in a tone that was obviously hopeful that they did not.
"Most likely," Quinn answered, pressing the elevator button. Since it was already on the floor, it opened and he reluctantly stepped in, waiting for Caiden before pressing the button for Rafe's floor. He would rather have taken the stairs, but humans were weak. "You can hide away again if it makes you nervous."
"Thanks for your concern." Caiden replied sarcastically with an eye roll as he leaned against the side of the elevator. "But I don't think i'll 'hide away' this time, not as long as I don't feel threatened." He stepped from the elevator and moved quickly back towards Rafe's apartment. "I shouldn't have to hide away..I mean this is kinda my home too now and its obvious thats not going to change for a while anyway." He continued to say as he opened the door to the apartment then stepped inside.
Rafe, currently reading a book, looked up from his usual chair in the living room, smiling as he noticed who it was. Of course it would be that child, who else would dare enter without knocking? "Ah, Caiden, welcome home. Did you find anything of interest?" he asked conversationally and closed his book, but held his place with a finger. He doubted Caiden would want to spend much time with him, and he wasn't going to force him. His eyes darted to the other person the mutant was talking to and gave Quinn a smile all his own. "Thank you, for returning him safely," he said, his voice warm as a summer breeze. He could be really disarming, if he wished to be, by nothing more than being understanding and harmless. Well, harmless looking, in any case.
Following after Caiden, Quinn hesitated at the door until he saw Rafe. His gaze dropped, though, as he realized that if Caiden said anything about Quinn's inadvertently hurting his feelings, Rafe wouldn't consider him a very good watcher of his prized possessions. Swallowing against the lump in his throat, he gave Rafe a small nod and entered the room, closing the door quietly behind him and standing unobtrusively out of the way.
"Not really.." Caiden replied with a shrug as he moved to the couch and flopped down onto his back. "Met a few other creatures.." He glanced at Quinn then sighed and looked back up at the ceiling deciding not to tell Rafe what he had said. "There was this one girl, Twitteroot..I think we should invite her over. She was really nice to me."
Rafe chuckled quietly, the sound deep and warm in his chest. He carefully set his book aside on his small end table and leaned one elbow on the arm of his chair, propping his chin up on his hand. His other hand beckoned to Quinn. Good or bad, he wanted Quinn close to receive his feelings toward him. "I bet she was," he replied to Caiden, the knowing tone flicker in and out on every other word, leaving the listeners uncertain if he meant anything more by the simple words. "I will see to it that she knows to visit more often. I try to discourage visitors usually, since I know they make you uncomfortable, but I'm glad you made.. well, a friend, I suppose you would call it, amongst our people, Caiden. I want you to be comfortable with us, and I'm always happy to hear of you growing so. When I have the time, I will escort you in to the city myself, Caiden. I'm sure we can find some new things for you to tinker with. I'm very sorry you did not find anything today."
"Its alright. It seemed most of the houses had been cleared for some reason. Thats where I found Twitteroot..she was cleaning." Caiden replied as he finally pulled himself up from lying on the couch to sit. "She was very good at giving compliments. I don't think i've ever met anyone so nice.." He continued with a thoughtful look before clearing his throat slightly suddenly feeling a little embarrassed. "I'm just going to go get a drink.." Quickly rising to his feet Caiden hurried out of the room and into the kitchen before anything could be said.
Quinn watched Caiden hurry off as he moved closer to Rafe, stopping just withing the Siren's reach. He stayed focused on the ground, however, as he thought about what was being said. "We were directed by another to head to the warf, however I was uncertain as to where that was." He didn't mention Caiden's running off before he could ask for directions. It seemed unimportant so long as the human didn't say anything about his verbal slip up.
"Is that right?" Rafe purred as if interested. He took Quinn's hand and tugged him, forcing the Deiciden to land in his lap. His free hand was quick to lace in to the long dark hair, stroking it gently but in a way that said it was in Quinn's best interests not to move. "You exit the front door, walk ten blocks, take a right, three blocks, and then turn left. You see it at the end of the road. All storage buildings and old ships. A perfect place to put all the unwanted things. Until they are wanted, of course." He smiled then and leaned forward to rest his forehead against Quinn's, his eyes closed. "But Quinn-" His voice took a dangerous edge. "I can tell he did not only meet a new friend today. Tell me-" He opened his eyes and there was a quiet, blazing inferno under the veil of dark that was his pupils, peeking out in his irises. "Who else... did you meet today."
Not even wanting to move, Quinn listened to the directions, his mind remembering each of them as they were spoken. He took a deep breath when the Siren asked about who else they had met. "I...do not know what it was. Not an energy I recognized. Four arms, red, black eyes. It was the creature who directed us to the warf." Quinn wasn't sure if he should say everything that happened. Summoning an arrow like he had wasn't always taken lightly. And he didn't like doing it. Especially not when it was directed at another. Quinn tried to look at Rafe, but he looked away just as quickly, knowing that his eyes gave him away.
"That sounds helpful," Rafe replied, unwilling to budge. "You do not act grateful. Either you are looking down your nose at the others, or he did more than give you directions. I suggest you be honest, Quinn. I don't have patience for liars." The last word hissed a little but held no more emphasis than the others. Fathomless pupils bore into Quinn's eyes, whether he was looking back or not, and a dryness overcame them, moisture removed from the sockets and his mouth as his body temperature started to rise under the weight of that gaze, and Rafe didn't move, but his hands stilled, becoming no more aggressive, but he held his touch in contact, light, but unwilling to move, should Quinn try. It was a little like being cooked, oh so slowly, in your own skin. "My good nature is wearing thin," he warned. He didn't enjoy his followers feeling like they had to hide something from him. Be honest, and bear just judgement. Lie, and innocent or not, one would suffer. He showed them nothing but honesty and love- He damn well expected it in return.
Quinn had to take a moment to clear his throat as it became dry. But he overcame that discomfort, blinking quickly and answering Rafe. "It was not exactly friendly towards me or Caiden. I can understand it's animosity towards myself, however it seemed a bit threatening and I got defensive in response. I may have also inadvertently insulted the human in the process of correcting the creature, but I believe we have made amends." Quinn fought the urge to shift, knowing that it wouldn't do any good. His nerves were starting to act up, and he felt the energy sting at his hands as his fight or flight response attempted to trigger.
Caiden had been stepping back into the room when he heard the last of Quinn's words. "Everythings fine between us." He added as he moved back to the couch, holding a bottle of water. He didn't seem to notice the way the pair were sitting, he was now so used to Rafe's odd behaviour towards the other creatures so this wasn't a new sight. "Quinn didn't mean any offence..he was just repeating a term that seems to be quite popular amongst many of the other creatures when they talk about me." He took a long drink of water before looking at Rafe. "They seem to think i'm nothing more than your pet."
"'Pet'?" Rafe repeated, tearing his eyes away from Quinn, making the uncomfortable heat vanish. He seemed to simultaneously consider the term, as well as dismiss it as stupid. "Pets have never interested me," he said after a long pause. "Mindless, droll little creatures. They never amused me as long as you have, Caiden. You are unique- You all are," he added as an afterthought, his hand finally moving to make soothing strokes through Quinn's hair. "And I certainly wouldn't keep you so close if you bored me so often. You think, speak, act all on your own, you need no orders from me. Pets... they are not the same." He made a face. Yes, perhaps he did see Caiden as a pet, but the only one worth of being his pet, and that had to mean something. He didn't wish to hurt Caiden's feelings though by making him feel so insignificant next to others. "If a xill feels that that is all you are, though, perhaps I should sic you on him." He considered that a moment, then seemed to dismiss the idea. "No need to perpetuate the idea, however. I will find him, and speak with him, and see to it that no one thinks so little of you again."
Quinn felt relief once the heat was gone. He was more than content to stay where he was and take a moment to recover his wits. Blinking and licking his dry lips, he looked over at Caiden, trying to hide that he had been just moments from losing it a little. His hands still itched a bit, and he rubbed them on his pant legs slowly as he listened to what Rafe was saying, trying not to draw attention back to himself.
"Thanks but you don't need to do that. It might just make them hate me more." If thats possible. Caiden thought before returning his attention to Rafe. "I know you don't see me as a pet or a possession so I shouldn't care what they all think. Twitteroot was right..they're just jealous." He shrugged with a small smile then took another drink. "So why were all those houses being cleared and cleaned anyway?" He asked curiously.
Rafe's smile said he was clearly fighting off a laugh when Caiden used the word 'jealous', but he didn't explain as he answered the question instead. "I want everyone to live in good homes, of course, live good lives. If we all work together, then we can achieve much more greatness than we could alone. Everyone does their part to repair this ruined city, and everyone will get a happy, quality home. Even if everyone in Haven has a home, I still want everything fixed and cleaned, for if, and when, others join us. Everyone deserves a place they feel welcome, safe, and happy, Caiden. Wouldn't you agree?" He had calmed during his explanation until he was smiling gently at the human. His question seemed to be rhetorical however, as he looked at Quinn. "Could you make me a cup of tea, please Quinn? The black tea. I'm sure it's in the glass jar on the counter."
Sliding away from Rafe, Quinn nodded and made his way to the kitchen, trying not to let the expression on his face change. He slipped past Caiden and into the kitchen and set about making the tea. It would take him a bit longer than it took Rafe to do the same task, but it would give him time to settle again. Once he had the water heating, he turned the cold water back on and let it run against his fingers, seeing the small sparks that it created against his skin. After a moment, when his fingers were sufficiently pink with cold, he pulled his hands out and dried them off, glancing every now and then back to the area where Rafe sat.
Caiden nodded in agreement to Rafe then watched as Quinn left the room to carry out the request he had been given. "So..do you think that maybe one day if i'm still unable to go home that I could have one of those houses? I mean you can't want me hanging around here the rest of my life." He chuckled lightly. "Or is it too risky me wanting to live amongst the creatures?"
"I think you should do whatever you like, Caiden," Rafe replied as he relaxed back in to his chair again. "I want you to feel like you always have a home here in Haven, be it with me or in another building, even if you insist on still calling your old house your home as well. To be honest, I wouldn't want you to move out. I've grown accustomed to having you there-" He motioned with a hand down the hallway, toward his bedroom. "Next to me. But, if you truly wish to move to a place all your own, I will see to it that it is safe. No harm would come to you, and if it did, well-" He smirked and it was terrifyingly cold for such a warm creature. "It wouldn't happen but once." His eyelids fluttered and the warmth came back to his expression. He took a breath and sighed. "I am expecting guests," he changed the subject. "You may stay if you wish, but this is one visit I would prefer you stay in your room for. I feel it will require finess and, frankly, I don't want to do more explaining-such as why there is a human in my home-than I will already need to do."
Caiden had smiled and had been about to reply when Rafe had suddenly changed the subject. He sighed then stood up with a shrug. "Whatever.." He said then moved towards his room but paused and looked back. "Just make sure to let me know when I can come out." He said then carried on to his room. This is why I think it would be best I had a home of my own..if its not me hiding away because I don't feel safe its Rafe asking if I would hide because he doesn't want to upset his guests..I mean i'm not a little kid anymore. I'm eighteen! I thought this was supposed to be my home too! He slammed the door with a little more force than he meant to then after making sure it was firmly locked walked to his bed and flopped down onto it. "And I was so ready to show that I wasn't scared anymore..that I was done hiding and was ready to actually make a go of living this life." He whispered sadly before rolling over and burying his head in his pillow. No matter how much you're ready to accept this life..it seems you're never going to fit in.
Rafe frowned after the boy, his eyebrows raising a little at the slammed door. Perhaps Caiden wasn't a pet, but rather a very disappointing son. He set the thought aside and picked up his book again, returning to the page he had been on. "Quinn," he said aloud, loud enough for the Deiciden to hear him, but not loud enough to be yelling. How uncouth would that be? "Have you ever wished to be part of a family? I realize you don't have parents and won't have children, but for a family to treat you as a son or uncle or daughter or aunt-" He turned the page and continued reading. "Part of the group?" It was a rare thing, for Rafe to simply ask a thoughtful question, with no lingering 'right answer' hidden behind it. He seemed to simply want a conversation with the other creature.
"Once, a long time ago," Quinn said as he carefully carried the cup of tea into where Rafe was. He was holding it with both hands so he could be certain not to spill it off the small plate that it was resting on. "But those thoughts have long since been buried. I often wonder what it would be like to have friends or a lover, and that is the closest I get anymore." He slowly lowered the cup so that Rafe could either take it or wave it to the table instead.
Rafe hummed thoughtfully and reached out with a motion that most wouldn't think could be graceful, and yet he made it so, and picked the cup of tea up off the saucer, all without looking up from his book. "Quinn, you have plenty of friends. You have Ean, and myself, and now Miss Talia. I assure you it's more than I consider myself to have." He shook his head and took a small sip of tea, despite that it was steaming. He made no notice of the heat. "As for a lover, if you really want one, you need only ask," he said once he finished his little drink and finally looked up at Quinn, his eyes smouldering quietly and a little smirk playing with his lips. It lasted a moment before he turned back to his book. "Not all your power lies in your bow, Quinn," he finished and lifted his cup to take another demure sip.
Quinn blinked a few times before he pulled the saucer back to himself and straightened. He wasn't sure what to say to that, and simply sat down in the nearest seat. "I do not understand," he admitted, studying the saucer in his hands intently. He didn't say it out loud, but the impossibility of taking on a lover sat in the forefront of his mind. And Quinn was a bit too unassuming to even think anyone would be interested in him as anything other than a weapon, or in Rafe's case, a treasure.
"What I mean, my darling, is that some of your power lies in others' feelings for you. Ask, and you shall receive," Rafe replied, his voice gentle and kind. He brought his tea to his lips and took another silent sip before he continued, still never having looked up from his book. "If you want something, you need to ask for it, or at least tell me what it is so I am aware of it, even if you aren't asking to have it." Only then did he look up, giving Quinn an amused little smirk to match the casual tilt of his head. "I am not a mind-reader."
Quinn wasn't looking at Rafe, instead was concentrating his gaze on the small plate, his eyebrows pulling together in confusion at what Rafe was saying. He chewed on his bottom lip for a moment before making a face as if he wanted to say something but was uncertain how to say it. Finally he let his eyes go to Rafe, the confusion still clear on his face. "The things I want I cannot ask for and have no right to expect. They are impossible so I keep them to myself." He let out a sigh. That was not what he had wanted to say, but it was all he had the courage to make known.
Rafe's expression was kind and sympathetic. He put his book aside (as Quinn held his saucer and so he could not put down his tea) and used his now free hand to reach out and brush some hair away from Quinn's face. "Nothing is impossible," he murmured.
"They know you are here," a voice interrupted them and made Rafe look at the doorway to the balcony. There stood Ean, hand resting casually on a cocked hip, his expression as placid as ever. "I'll go greet them." It was not really a question, but he did wait until Rafe gave him a small nod before he gave a polite bow in return, gave Quinn a gentle smile, and then went over and out the front door of the apartment to retrieve their guests.
Quinn swallowed against the emotion rising in him. He didn't exactly know what it was, but he was allowing himself to feel things, and that could get dangerous. Glancing at Ean as he left, it took the Deiciden a moment to realize who he was talking about, and Quinn looked back at Rafe with slightly widened eyes, not saying anything as he waited to see what would happen now.
"Do not look so uneasy, my darling," Rafe chided, his voice still gentle but no longer the hushed quiet it had been. He leaned forward and gave Quinn the briefest of kisses on the lips before he stood. Or perhaps it was as he stood. In any case, he was on his feet again and had somehow managed to take the saucer from the Deiciden and used it to set his tea aside, next to his book, and then looked down at his chest, needlessly using a hand to straighten his white button up shirt that was untucked from his fitting black trousers. "It will be good to see them again."
"I'm relieved they made it here safely," Quinn admitted as he stood as well, fiddling with his hands now that he wasn't holding anything. He finally decided to just shove both of them into his pockets and leave it at that. Looking up at Rafe, Quinn gave the smallest of nods. "I do hope this goes well."
Rafe opened his mouth to respond, but he didn't get the chance before he heard a quiet tapping on the door. He turned to look at it, reflexively calling, "Enter", but he didn't seem to need to, as Ean was already opening the door, and he smiled, ready to greet everyone.
Benny tried his damnest to find an empty alleyway or building to appear in, feeling Dash close behind him, following his wake. He found the city they were looking for, that much was clear, but it was also what was causing him to keep searching. Creatures littered the place. They walked around as if this were a bustling city centuries before the wars. With an irritated sigh, he pushed on, wanting Fox and Jake out of the shadows as soon as possible, but it was long minutes before he found a safe place. The creatures seemed to thin near the center of the city, and although that made him wary, he saw no other alternative. He left the populace a few streets behind and carefully stepped out on to the empty street, letting go of Fox and Jake only once he was sure they had their footing. "Sorry that took so long," he said quietly. He turned his frown at them instead to the empty street around them, but he wasn't really looking at that. He was looking beyond it. "There are creatures everywhere." He seemed shocked and a little confused by that. What kind of city was this?
"Maybe I should have led," Dash told his brother as he appeared not far away, stepping out of the alley shadow and carefully putting down Kyra and her son. He didn't need to look around. He had seen it before. He looked at Benny instead. "I've been here before after all." His eyes dropped and, seemingly against his will, shifted to a tall building in the center of the city, just a few streets away. The top, far above them, glittered with sunlight, contrary to the shadowed street they currently stood on. When he glanced back at Benny, his brother was giving him a seriously look, but when he opened his mouth to speak, he didn't get to it.
A sharp cry above them forced the brothers to look up. Two very familiar hawks were diving toward them. Dash smiled at one but Benny kept his eyes on the other. It was the one that the elder brother watched that first snapped open its wings and collided with the ground with typical black boots, an arched back, and outstretched arms. Brandon, grinning as usual, did a magnificent stretch that pulled his new shirt up a little, but he didn't care as he groaned at the feeling of his muscles shifting. "Ahhh that felt good. What took you all so long? We've been circling for almost an hour." He glared at the group, but it lacked the edge and he motioned to Talia, as if to say she would agree.
Kyra looked around the empty street and picked up her son, watching with careful eyes. She watched as Brandon landed, an involuntary shiver going down her spine as she did. Kyrian wiggled to be let down and Kyra reluctantly set him down and he promptly went over to where Brandon was standing, his eyes wide as his silent question of how the shifter did what he did showed on his face. "Where are we?" Kyra asked, keeping one eye on her son and the other on Dash.
Jake shakily stepped away from Benny and had to bend over with his hands on his knees, taking deep breaths as he tried to readjust to being back on solid ground and out of the shadows. "How does anyone ever get used to that?" He muttered before finally straightening up when he was sure he wouldn't be sick. When Benny mentioned that the city was full of creatures, Jake couldn't help but look a little excited. This is incredible..I could finally get to meet a host of different creatures like i've always wanted to. He thought then looked up at the screech of the hawks above.
"I was beginning to think you'd got lost." Talia joked after she had landed beside Brandon and shifted back into her human form, giving a long stretch before giving his chest a playful punch as he did the same. "Not bad for someone who hasn't been able to shift in over a year. We should definitely do it again. Its good being back with another shifter." She grinned at him before moving to Dash's side and quickly placing her hand in his and smiling up at him.
Fox patted Jack's shoulder and nodded her head gently. "It takes some getting used to. If we're in there for prolonged periods I get uneasy because its so quiet in my head." Tapping her forehead she shrugged her shoulders gently, as she moved to Benny and leaned into him gently. Glancing around the streets she frowned deeply. Concentrating deeply, she eased her mind away from the people around her and listened to the minds of whatever was closest to them, making sure that they weren't going to be in any danger. Feeling confident that they would be alright she came back to the group and nodded at Benny, figuring he would understand what she meant. "Ulf didn't tell us where to go from here..."
"I know where he probably wants us to go," Dash admitted, and sounded decidedly pained by that fact. He didn't need to say 'I'm sorry' for the sentiment to come across in his words. It made Benny stare at him even more harshly and Dash had to lower his eyes. He squeezed Talia's hand to acknowledge she was there. He seemed to really need the strength.
"What aren't you telling us?" Benny demanded as he held Fox close, one arm wrapped securely around her. She would let him know if something was coming, so he saw no need at the moment to be looking around. "What is going on in this city?"
"Hey, don't be so suspicious," Brandon chastised with a pout. He was rubbing his chest where Talia had hit him even though it didn't hurt. "A city full of creatures can't be as dangerous as a city full of humans hell bent on killing us, can it? At least we don't have to run and hide here. If we have to fight, we can." He looked down, noticing Kyrian staring up at him. He just smiled and patted him on the head, ruffling his hair. "I'll explain later if you like," he offered, then broke in to a grin again and pointed at Talia with his free hand. "And you, lovely, are on." He looked at Dash, wagging his finger at Talia. "She's good. You are very lucky." He turned to Talia again and dropped his hand. "Horses tomorrow? I'd love a gallop down mainstreet-" He seemed to hesitate and looked around. "As soon as we figure out where that is, of course."
"For the love of- Can you be serious for a minute here? What if this is some kind of cult? What if the things that live here don't WANT us here-" Benny interrupted Brandon's cheery attitude, giving the shifter his darkest glare.
"No, Benny," Dash spoke up. He raised his eyes to his brother and again looked very sorry. "They.. We're wanted here."
Kyra looked from Benny to Dash and finally to Brandon. Even if he was a shifter, even if she hadn't known for as long as she had known him, he was still the only creature that she had known for longer than a few days. Making her way over to where Kyrian was standing, Kyra leaned down to the boy's ear and whispered to him quickly. "Stay close to me or Brandon. Don't wander off." With that said, she straightened again and looked at the man in front of her before waiting to see if they were going to head in any particular direction.
Fox furrowed her eyebrows at Dash's words. "What do you mean, 'we're wanted here'?" Crossing her arms over her chest she looked around and frowned deeply. Dash was hiding something from them, something he didn't normally do and it made her uneasy. She knew whatever he had to say, they most likely weren't going to like it. "Dash...what's going on?"
Talia had grinned at Brandon and had taken a breath to respond but stopped when she heard everyone question Dash suspiciously. She gripped his hand not wanting the others to feel any kind of hatred towards him if this went wrong. She would take this blame. She looked at Fox and tried to give her most convincing smile. "Nothings going on..I stayed here last night, remember? Dash came to pick me up and he probably just thinks where I stayed is the best place to start. As for what he said about us being wanted..this is Haven. A safe place for creatures. All he meant was we are welcome here. No one is going to try and hurt us." She smiled again then wrapped her arm round Dash's. "Honestly you guys. Relax. Dash doesn't really know anything about this place. How would he?" She chuckled lightly. "Now how about we get moving. I don't know about you lot, but I could really use something to eat. All that flying's worked up my appetite." She winked at Brandon before grinning. "Oh and you're on about tomorrow with the horses. We'll make it a race!"
At Talia's half-truth explaination, Dash's eyes widened a little and he turned around, so his mouth was out of sight of the rest of the group but facing Talia. He leaned in a bit, wanting to keep his words as unheard as possible. "Talia- You don't understand. You want to be His friend, and I can deal with that. But he can not know they are here- No.. he's going to know, and they can't see him. They can't know he's here, but he isn't going to give us that choice." He shifted his eyes to meet hers, the depth that this was getting to him showing right on the surface. "He's going to find us, he's going to find them, and if we don't bring them in..." His eyes immediately filled with pain and he had to look away.
"Dash..." It was Benny who spoke up. He saw the way his little brother whole body was tensed, and his anger at being left in the dark melted. He was growing more concerned by the minute, however. "Whatever it is.. You need to tell us. Don't you think it's better for us to know than to go in fighting blind?" He paused, then gave a half hearted smile, remembering something no one else would. "Not that that hasn't worked well before."
That drew the tiniest smile from Dash which showed as he turned to look at his brother again, but it fell as soon as it came and he shook his head. "Don't hate me for this. I never wanted to bring you here, but with the fucking police-" He cut himself off, closed his eyes, took a breath to steady himself, and opened his eyes again. "I know.. why Haven is full of creatures. I know why there are no police-" He paused and looked at Kyra and Jake. "No humans." He looked at Benny and Fox and his deeply apologetic expression was back. "This is Rafe's city."
The reaction was instantaneous. Benny's body rippled with tension and he looked around, almost as if he expected to see him in every corner. "The city he founded- before he was dead... right?" he asked his brother, barely keeping the desperation out of his voice. Dash looked all the more pained and shook his head, and Benny forced a lid on to his anger. "Why would you let us come here then?" he hissed, wanting very much not to yell, as that might attract attention.
"Who's Rafe?" Jake asked suddenly not as excited about the thought of being surrounded by creatures. The way Dash had said that he knew why the city had no humans and Benny's reaction to this man Rafe's name created a nervous knot in his stomach. "Why do I get the feeling Kyra and I aren't going to be as welcomed as the rest of you."
"Rafe is a man who made, Dash, Benny, and myself do very terrible things. He used us to take over cities. Control people... Kill people." Fox felt herself pale as Dash and Benny's words washed over her. "He isn't dead... he never was. Of course he wasn't, that would have been too easy." Shaking her head she felt memories swarm her mind, confusing her deeply. Gritting her teeth she took a few deep breaths until she heard Jakes last words. "No matter what, I...we will protect you. Whether he likes it or not." Fox suddenly felt a shiver run down her spine. Turning, she looked over her shoulder and noticed two creatures wandering around at the end of the street. "He already knows we're here. There's no way that he doesn't. This is Rafe we're talking about..." Sighing heavily she began massaging her temples as pain from so much information was beginning to make her head ache. Memories she had shut out long ago we're creeping their way back into her mind.
Kyra took Kyrian's hand and looked at the people around her. "So...are we staying then? Or going?" She had no idea what to expect from this Rafe person, or who he even was, and she just wanted to keep her son safe. She would have preferred making the decision herself, but this was territory she had never walked.
"You'll be fine," Dash put in quickly. He glanced at his brother who was busy rubbing Fox's back, trying to soothe her. "If we want you around, he's just gonna think you're property or something" He looked at Kyra again. "I know, you really don't like the idea, and neither do we, but if you want to live, go with that." He met her eyes and didn't flinch. "He will kill you if you defy him."
"Heeeeyyyy now," Brandon interrupted, his voice noting the awkwardness of the pause following Dash's words. "You guys met him a long time ago, right? Maybe he's changed." He flinched at the look the two brothers gave him, one sad and the other angry, but didn't get to defend himself before a gentle voice interrupted their conversation.
"Hello everyone. Welcome to Haven. My name is Ean and it is a pleasure to meet all of you." A boy, roughly fifteen years old, stood just down the road from them. He paused long enough to offer a small respectful bow, before continuing his approach. Benny put himself between the newcomer and Fox but it did not deter Ean in the least. He stopped a few feet from them and looked at the other mage and female shape shifter, offering them a little smile. "Talia, Dash. It is good to see you again. I am glad that your travels have been safe." When Dash gave him a hesitant nod, Ean returned his attention to the group, letting his gaze take in each person in turn. He seemed to form an opinion of each without saying a word, but at last he settled on Fox. "Please, come with me. You are all expected-" He paused, then chuckled, looking at Kyra and Jake, as well as Kyrian. "Well, you three are not, but you will be welcome."
"You want us to pretend that we're your property?" Jake replied with a heavy frown. "That was definitely not part of the deal Dash." His tone was quiet but angry but before he could carry on Talia stepped in and spoke. "If we could have it any other way Jake we would but unfortunately this is the only real way to keep you safe." She snapped then looked up with a jump when she heard the soft voice speak to them. Smiling weakly at Ean she couldn't help but feel nervous. Maybe this was a really bad idea. She thought aware of the tension that was thick around them. Suddenly remembering something she gulped lightly then grabbed Jakes arm and pulled him quickly to her side ignoring his look of confusion as she kept a tight grip on his wrist. That shade was here before..so that means she could live here. Jakes a very easy target now that he's here. Her mind raced at the thought of the danger they had put the boy in but she knew there was no turning round now. "You make sure you are with one of us at all times." She whispered urgently before returning her attention to Ean.
Fox grabbed ahold of Benny's hand and laced their fingers together. "Okay, here we go." Nodding her head at Ean she sighed heavily and shook her head. "I want to let you know now, if this was a big mistake, I'm terribly sorry..." She whispered softly. She was nervous but more importantly, she wanted the people who were with her, to be safe. She wanted to be able to live in peace with the people she cared about. Looking over at Dash, she smiled at him reassuringly, wanting him to know that she wasn't upset with him. She loved him, and she knew he would never do anything to hurt her or Benny.
"I encourage you to relax," Ean told Fox with a slight tilt of his head and a frown to match on his face. "Nothing bad will happen during this meeting." He seemed to understand, without looking or really thinking about it, that no one would really believe him since he turned and began to lead the way back to the tower in the center of Haven. Rafe wanted them here, and surely if he had only wanted to hurt them or kill them, he would have sent someone else rather than making these people come all the way here. Still, the next period of time didn't have a dark haze on it, so Ean could only assume, while keeping his distance from the knowledge, that at least no one would die during it.
"Jake, I'm sorry," Dash muttered to the human as they followed Ean. "It only means the difference between 'yes' and 'no' though, I promise. I'm not going to make you perform for treats or bullshit like that-" He cut himself off, looking at Talia. "Sorry," he added, unsure how she felt abut his language. He couldn't remember the last time he was so open, clients didn't appreciate the language. Talia was making him open up again like a book that had long since closed. He shook the thought and looked at Jake again. "And it's only until we're sure how he's going to handle having humans in his city. I will not treat you like a slave, no matter what, that I swear."
"I won't give you to him," Benny replied to Fox as they walked, following his brother, Talia, and Jake, and making sure Kyra and Kyrian came along. It might be bad for them to meet Rafe, but it would be a hell of a lot worse if they tried to run off. At least Brandon didn't seem inclined to bolt in fear, since he was walking with them. Well, he doubted the man even knew what they were walking in to. His mental voice held an unbudging certainty to it. He would rather die than give her up, after all. No, that wasn't true. He was so determined because he knew Fox wouldn't want to go. He would do whatever she wanted to do, and it wasn't this. "I won't let him take anyone." Except, perhaps... he and his brother. If that would have to be the trade off for the others' safety, then he was willing to pay it, much as Fox would hate it. Military service was nothing next to the thought of her being torn away.
Kyrian hurried over to Brandon, the person his mother said to stay close to, and reached up to interlace his fingers with the man's. Kyra followed her son and took his other hand, keeping him safely in between herself and Brandon. Pursing her lips, she looked over at the shifter, silently asking if this was alright. It was hard for her to let go of the simple misconceptions she had about creatures, but she wasn't so hardened that she wouldn't be able to handle it. After all, having been lied to but given the greatest gift of her life by one was enough to confuse her ideas of who was good and who wasn't.
"I think he'll be okay with them.. I mean look at Caiden, he's a human and Rafe likes him." Talia replied quietly as she walked beside Dash, her hands still clamped tightly around his and Jakes hands. "Wait! That's it! Jake if you were to make friends with Caiden or at least make him think you were friends then Rafe wouldn't hurt you! He's not going to want to upset the boy that lives with him is he?" She smiled happily at her plan but Jake didn't look as confident. "And kyrianiis technically still a creature even if half a one at that so he should be safe which means Kyra should be safe because she's his mom. Everything will be fine..you'll see." Talia gave a nod then glanced back at Fox and the others with a smile trying to reassure them that everything was going to be okay.
Fox laced her fingers with Benny's as they walked along. Her only indication that she heard him was a nod. Sighing heavily as a huge building came upon them she stared up at it and frowned. Shaking her head she felt her spine stiffen as they walked. She would not back down or give in... She couldn't. "Here we go..." tightening her fingers around his she sighed heavily, nervous as they got closer.
Dash stared at his girlfriend as they entered the building and headed for the lifts. "Did anyone ever tell you that you're brilliant?" he asked rhetorically, but then grinned and nodded, looking at Jake. "She's exactly right Jake. Besides, you love creatures, and Caiden seems to miss humans. I bet you two would have become friends anyway. If you're Caiden's friend, Rafe will leave you alone-" He looked at Talia again. "The only thing you might be wrong about is Kyra." He glanced at the human woman as they stepped on to the large elevator where Ean was waiting patiently for them. "But we'll worry about that later."
Brandon, as the was getting on the lift with his clingy companions, noticed Kyra's look, but instead of answering, he grinned. "Any onlooker might think we looked like a family," he said, half teasing, instead of answering her. The fact that he didn't pull his hand away probably said it was ok though.
Once everyone was on and Ean looked at each of their faces to make sure they had everyone, he turned to the elevator panel and pushed the button to the top floor, turning to the group when the doors shut. "You are all safer than you seem to believe," he said, noting their expressions. "Whatever may happen in the future, no one should be harmed today." He looked at Fox and made eye contact, his own swimming with a million thoughts behind them, knowing she would be the only one to see them. He tilted his head ever so slightly. "I'm sure you could know that." His words were soft, almost as if to himself. He seemed to be thinking. The elevator traveled quickly though and the doors opened a few moments later to allow them on to the penthouse floor. Ean led them to the large mahogany door at the end of the short hall and though he tapped a few times with a finger, he didn't quite wait for the "enter" that greeted him before he opened it, beckoning them inside.
Talia grinned at Dash and gave a small shrug of her shoulders. "I've been told a few times." She said jokingly when he asked her about her brilliance. "There are brains behind this beautiful face you know.." She chuckled before listening to him speak on. Nodding in agreement about Kyra she glanced at the other woman with a small frown as she followed Dash into the elevator. "Her attitude is the thing that will cause the problems for her.." She whispered. "I just hope she knows how to show some respect."
Jake followed them into the elevator silently allowing them to finish their conversation before speaking up. "So you want me to make friends with this Caiden fellow..i'm a little confused. Is he human or creature?"
"Sorta both.." Talia replied as she rested her head on Dash's shoulder and laced her fingers through his. "He's technically a human..but he has these strange powers. That I don't think he's all that happy to have to be honest." She smiled lightly as she felt sorry for the other boy. "You two are kinda like opposites I guess..I think if he had a choice he wouldn't be here, he'd rather be a normal boy just like you at home with his family. But you..you have dreamed of coming to a place like this I bet and you would probably think it would be so cool to have powers..am I right?" She asked with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.
"It would be so awesome.." Jake whispered looking thoughtful as he imagined what it would be like to have powers not hearing a word Ean was saying. Once the elevator opened he seemed to come back to reality and didn't protest when Talia quickly grabbed his hand again and pulled him along beside her and Dash towards the door that was now being held open.
Moving with the rest into the elevator, Kyra kept a firm hold of her son, who was in turn keeping a firm hold on Brandon. There was a small tremor in the boy's limbs, betraying his nervousness at what they were about to do. Kyra looked down at him and gave him a small smile. "You are safe. No one is going to let anyone hurt you," she said quietly.
Fox looked over at Ean as the elevator doors slid shut. "Yes I could know that. But I try not to make it a hbbit to listen in." Glancing up at Benny she frowned slightly before resting her head on his shoulder, much like Talia was doing with Dash. "Ive just recently started using my powers again so im a bit rusty." Closing her eyes she bit down on her bottom lip, remembering the meetings she'd sat in on. She had been a big asset to Rafe, as had the boys. Shaking her head she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. A thought crossed her mind, causing Fox to frown deeply. "Benny, how can it be a coincedence that Ulf sent us to Rafes city? We thought Rafe was dead and now were strolling into his domain. I should have read his mind... but you told me I cant know everything so ive been backing off on that... what if this time, it was a mistake?"
It had only been an hour or so since Elvira had excused herself to rest and regain her strength and power, but that was all she needed. I wonder who I shall be upsetting today. she thought curiously as she fixed herself up and prepared to go and report to Rafe. Moving to her door she paused when she heard voices moving past outside. Slowly she opened the door and peered out and couldn't help but feel surprised when she saw Dash and the others walking past towards Rafe's penthouse. "Well well.." She muttered then growled suddenly when her eyes fell on Jake. What is he doing here?! Her grip tightened on the door frame that she was holding and the pressure became so great small cracks began to form beneath her hand. We'll see what Rafe has to say about you.. She slowly closed the door again deciding she would allow them to get into Rafe's home first before she made her move and finally get the revenge she had been wanting for so long on the human.
"If you ever seen him again," Benny told Fox seriously, but he didn't look away from the door that was opening and he didn't sound like he really wanted to be discussing this right now. "You'll get the chance. He could have been like Rafe though and might have hurt you when you tried. We don't even know what he was-" He cut himself off because they were stepping inside, following the odd one named Ean and he was too busy to be thinking of what ifs. He wanted to be alert and ready no matter what happened here. He didn't want to wonder 'what if'. Never again.
"Ah, my friends..." A warm voice that was all too familiar, even after all these years, greeted them. The penthouse itself was immaculate. Decked in whites and creams and hints of black it was massive and, of course, well lit by the expansive window, or wall, however you wanted to look at it, that separated the living room before them from the balcony. The full kitchen area, separated from the living room by the step down in to the living space and the bar at the egde of the kitchen, lay to their left, a wall with a door no doubt for the coat room to their right. On the walls hung, what the brothers at least, and most likely Fox, knew for certain to be original works of art, famous paintings that Quinn had scavenged for him. And there, in the middle of the living room, next to the Deiciden they already knew, stood Rafe, his arms wide in a welcome none of them really wished to accept, but knew better than to deny. "It really has been too long," he chided lightly. He paused then, noticing the group was larger than he anticipated. He looked very carefully at Jake, Kyra, and then the small child. He looked at Ean who offered him nothing, keeping his face completely neutral in response. Finally, Rafe seemed to mentally shake it off and just smiled at his new guests. "Well," he said softly, gently, and yet Benny and Dash tensed reflexively, in the exact same moment. "What have we here?"
Talia smiled pleasantly at Rafe but it faltered slightly when she noticed his lingering gaze on the humans. Her grasp tightened slightly on Jake's wrist and she took a tiny step in front of him as if trying to shield him from view. "These are friends of ours Rafe..very important friends. They need somewhere safe to stay and I assumed it would be alright for them to come with us. Plus I thought Jake here could possibly make a good friend for Caiden..wouldn't you agree?" She said quickly.
Fox stiffened at the sight of Rafe. His voice... its been years since she's heard it but it seemed like it was only yesterday. Clinging to Benny's hand she stared at him for a moment before she finally let her eyes drift around the rooms. Friends? He must be crazy... Fox glanced at the humans and frowned before her eyes darted back to Rafe. He didn't appear to be angry that there were humans, but one could never tell with Rafe.
Quinn stood there uncertainly as they entered, not moving at all and not giving away his inner turmoil. Between this meeting and what Rafe had said earlier, he was torn as to what to do and what to say. So instead he gave a small wave to Talia, his hand dropping almost instantly again as he waited.
She was not happy with this. Kyra reached down and picked up her son, holding him protectively while Kyrian stared with wide eyes at Rafe. The boy blinked a few times before a hesitant smile formed on his face and he turned his water blue eyes to his mother, wrapping both skinny arms around her neck to hold himself still. Those eyes turned back to Rafe, and he watched the Siren with his intense gaze.
"Friends," Rafe repeated Talia's choice of word, seeming to roll it around in his mouth as if it were new to him. His eyes noted her behavior, and he frowned at it, the barest of flashes flickering in his eyes before he smiled, ending the long pause. "Of course," he agreed, as if it made complete sense and he agreed. "Talia, please, don't act so nervous. I'm not going to throw them from the balcony." Much as I'd like to. "Ean, fetch Caiden would you?" He didn't even look at the white haired boy but Ean bowed his head anyway and went to try and coax Caiden out of his room. "Everyone, please, have a seat." He motioned to the few chairs and couch that currently sat in his wide living room. "Jake, was it?" He zeroed in on the human teenager. The question was a formality, he didn't need an answer. "Tell me, Jake... How did you come to be in such an... interesting crowd?" He chose that word very carefully and something in his eyes warned the entire group not to deny him as he took his seat once more, motioning for Quinn to sit on the arm.
Again, Dash gave his brother and Fox an apologetic look before he led the way, taking the seat on the couch closest to Rafe, making sure Talia followed him, and knowing she would bring Jake along. The content, not quite smug, expression that lit up Rafe's face at the motion was all it took to light a fire in his brother's eyes.
"I can't believe you..." Benny whispered at his brother, the sound cutting through the air, carried on the silence. "How could you go back to him-"
"I didn't!" Dash replied quickly, his eyes wide, pleading with his brother. "Please, Benny, I don't work for him, I just knew he was here but for less than a day! I didn't know before that, not before I found Talia. I swear!"
Benny's sharp gaze turned on the female shifter. "You knew longer!" he accused. "You knew what he was and you-"
"What I am?" Rafe's smooth voice cut him off with surprising effectiveness, considering how quiet the words were. His ember eyes were locked on Benny and the mage did his best to make eye contact, but he was failing. "Just what have they told you?" he directed at Talia, shifting his eyes to her without moving anything else, raising a curious eyebrow. Something said it was more than an idle question though.
Talia had quickly followed after Dash, half dragging Jake along behind her who seemed unable to form words and reply to the questions Rafe had asked him. Before she had fully sat down though Benny's sharp words met her ears and she straightened up nervously then turned to look at him after finally releasing her grip on the boy so she could wring her hands nervously in front of her. When Rafe spoke up she looked at him and gulped before shrugging lightly. "N-nothing really..I guess that's the thing.." She averted her gaze back to Benny and looked apologetic. "..you never told me anything. It was almost like it was a forbidden subject so I never really knew what the connection was between you, didn't know that this was how a reunion would go." So tense.. She glanced back at Fox for a moment then made a small motion to the vacant chairs. "Won't you at least sit down for a little while..I mean, whatever happened between you is in the past right? Rafe has been nothing but kind to me Benny..I don't believe he wants to cause any trouble." She said in the hopes of making him relax. Slowly she sunk into the seat next to Dash, her heart racing with fear as she watched the people around her. This is all my fault..
Caiden sat up at the sound of the soft knock at his door then with a small sigh stood and moved to it. With slow movements he unlocked it then peered out to see who was disturbing him. "Oh..hi." He said when he caught sight of Ean. When he was told that Rafe wished to see him he nodded lightly before stepping from the room and without waiting to see if the white haired creature was following moved out into the living room. Met with the tense scene there he froze in the doorway and slowly allowed his eyes to travel over each person in the room before finally settling on Rafe. "Whats going on?" He asked slowly unsure if he should move to his side.
Fox refused to sit, too nervous and upset to do so. Shaking her head, her long white hair fluttered about her shoulders as if the were angry sea foam waves crashing against the shore. "I'm sorry, Talia. But that is where you are wrong. It will never be in the past." Fox turned her gaze to Rafe, staring intently into his eyes. She knew she couldn't read him, at least not mentally, and she didn't know him well enough anymore to read him physically. "I should have never trusted Ulf when he told us to come here. That was my mistake." She turned her eyes to Dash, they were sad but not angry, he was her brother and as much as she wanted to, she couldn't hate him for what has happened. As a new person came into the room, Fox tensed painfully, her back aching from her nerves.
"Yes...what is going on?" Purred Elvira suddenly from the open door of the apartment where she stood with her hands on her hips. "And why wasn't I invited?" She smirked lightly as she stepped into the room, allowing her eyes to slowly travel over everyone standing there. "Please don't all look so surprised..this is a haven for all creatures after all..that means I can live here too." She paused next to Caiden as she passed him and turned to look at him with an expression of mock surprise. "Oh my..so the little mutant has decided to come out of hiding then." Her smirk returned at Caiden's blatant attempt at ignoring her as he kept his eyes fixed on Rafe. Finally she moved on until she stood next to Rafe and smiled at everyone before her. "A few more people than you expected.." She whispered to him. "A little odd for you two to be here?" She commented looking between Brandon and Kyra with a raised eyebrow. "I didn't know cops were welcome here. Did you change the rules Rafe?" She questioned curiously before finally settling her eyes on Jake and her smile grew cold and menacing as she watched him sink into his chair, keeping his eyes on the floor in the hopes she wouldn't notice him. "Ah..I see you also have had the pleasure of meeting the human that tried to kill me.." She chuckled at the human boys growing discomfort before finally lowering herself into a seat and folding her hands lightly on her lap. "So what are we discussing?"
"Don't taunt them, Elvira," Rafe chided her, his voice, and eyes, holding a surprising edge to them. He turned his attention back to the group, motioning to the police (or.. ex-police) and Jake. "These are... friends, of our guests," he introduced, again hesitating to use the word Talia had used. "And perhaps soon to be friends of Caiden's." The word held less pause that time as he looked at the mutant. "Which is why I thought you should join us Caiden, to get to know them. They are, after all, the only humans around for miles. If you have no interest in them, well-" He smiled and it wasn't quite threatening, but neither was it comforting. "We'll attend to that if it happens." Finally, he looked at Fox, and his smile was warmer and darker all at the same time. "I understand why you're upset," he told her. "I don't understand why you are still upset, but I accept it. This is my city, and if you wish to remain here, you have my permission to do so. If you are truly so repulsed by my presence-" He had to pause at the statement, closing his eyes a moment. How could anyone feel that way about him? He was nothing but kind... "Then we need not see each other," he finished, opening his eyes again and there was a fire burning deep in them, not one of passion, but of tightly reigned anger. His smile, however, simply remained warm and understanding. "But please, in return for my kindness, I ask that you hold your tongue in spreading such slanderous rumors about me-"
"They are far from slander," Benny replied, his eyes narrowed and his voice as dark as Rafe's smile had been. He was not as good at hiding his emotions as the siren was, but then again, he didn't need to be. "What we say is the truth- Not that we talk about you much at all. We've done our best to forget you ever existed."
"You would not have met Fox if not for me," Rafe warned. His smile was gone, but his eyes didn't change. "You're horribly ungrateful of that fact."
"I-" Benny cut himself off, averting his eyes, then shook his head, coming to a decision. "I would have found her, some day. Soul mates always find each other."
"Not always." It was Ean who spoke up. He had followed Caiden back from the room, even though he had remained quiet. With a surprising lack of personal space, he moved to the couch and leaned on the back, putting him partially between Talia and Jake, the latter of whom he offered a gentle smile, then looked right at Benny again. "But you already knew that. Those who meet, meet by Fate. You met her the way you were supposed to meet her."
Benny shifted almost imperceptibly, unsettled by the child's calm tone and by what he was saying. Was he even really a child? Maybe he was a shifter like Talia and Brendan. Maybe his words were nothing more than some deluded sense of romance, like Talia sometimes had. He shook his head. "I would not have had to meet her that way if he-" His eyes glanced to Rafe. "Had not been such a selfish-"
"I am not selfish," Rafe interrupted him, his eyes lighting with obvious fire now. Even though he didn't move from his seat, his aura instantly identified him as a threat. "Is it selfish to want the world to be happy? Is it selfish to love and care for my fellow creatures? Is it selfish to appreciate the fine things? You used to indulge, same as I do, Bernard. I won't have you denying it, especially not in my own home."
"We had very different indulgences," Benny hissed at his former master.
"Yes..." Rafe replied and seemed to relax. He smirked at Benny. "Yours were so much more... somatic, than mine." He chuckled at the way Benny's eyes widened and his whole body stiffened.
"Ok, I don't know what that word means," Dash interrupted, looking between the two and frowning. "He just said we don't have to see him if we don't want to, which I know you don't. That means they can leave right?" He looked at Rafe, who nodded regally. "There, see? You can go. You don't have to keep bickering like street dogs." He flinched slightly without his voice faltering at the look Rafe gave him. "Sorry. Look, we can't go back and we don't know where to go forward. We both know he keeps his word-" He looked at Benny who looked away but didn't deny it. "So just... go. Please. I don't want you guys to keep fighting. I'm not siding with him!" He pointed out quickly when his brother looked like he was going to become angry again. "I just want you to stop upsetting Talia, the same way you want Fox to stop being upset-" He motioned to, who he thought of as, his sister in law. "Find a place big enough for all of us. All eight of us. Ok?" He was pleading, he knew it, but he couldn't stop himself. He wanted to sigh and pull his hair it was so frustrating. He didn't want his family to be hurt, but Rafe really hadn't attacked them yet. He hadn't attacked them in the first place. They left for Fox's comfort, so Benny should take Fox and go this time, just as he had before, for the same damn reason.
Fox's eyes darted around the room to each person in turn as they talked. She felt her senses dull and sighed as she grew tired of reigning in her powers. Letting them slip she caught a glimpse of Dash's last thoughts and frowned slightly. Staring at the floor at her feet, she removed herself from Benny as she put the guard back up on her mind. "I'm sorry, Dash... I didn't mean too." Sighing heavily she looked up into Benny's eyes before turning to look at Rafe. "No... I'm the only creature who doesn't seem to want to be around you, except for maybe Benny. I'll leave. I should have left on my own all those years ago. I guess I was just selfish. I had no right reigning you two in like that." Fox's eyes turned on Dash and Benny for a moment before she shook her head. "I'm sorry for ever doing that. Ill go. You all stay here where its safe." Her intense gaze flickered over to her, ex-lover and frowned deeply. "Thank you for your kindness." Swallowing the lump in her throat she sighed softly as she blinked back tears, turning to leave.
"If you were unhappy with me, I am glad you left." Rafe's soft, warm voice seemed to find its way to Fox without effort, cutting through the air like a knife but landing on her ears like goose down. "Just as I am glad you have come back."
"By accident," Dash felt the need to point out and was glad to see Rafe nod in assent. He turned back to the fae. "We chose what we did because we wanted to, not because you forced us. Besides, no one can change the past, so there's really no reason to go around moping about it. The best thing to do is deal with the present."
"Selfishness tends to come from fear," Benny added as he pulled Fox in to his arms, not wanting her to leave on such a sour note. She could leave, sure, but it would be with her head held high this time, not kowtowing to this bird. He glanced at Rafe and was pleased to see an almost imperceptible narrow in his eyes. "No one blames you for that Fox. Rafe tried to rule the world, and what he did to you- You had a right to want to leave."
Fox whipped her tears away as she stared up into Benny's eyes. Taking a deep breath she wrapped her arms around him. I don't want to leave you... If this is right thing to do, then... we'll stay. We can't break up the family. Her eyes drifted over to Dash and Talia, her brother and closest friend. They needed to stick together. They were stronger, together. Sighing softly, she turned her eyes back to the room. "We would like to stay, for now. That is, if you'll still allow me."
"You will always be welcome," Rafe told her gently and bowed his head to her in a kind of assent. "Please, take your pick of any of the repaired housing in Haven, any that you like. Ean, go with them." He received a nod from the boy but then Rafe turned his attention back to Fox with a very small frown. "I don't want anyone harassing you- Any of you-" He looked at the group. "Simply out of ignorance, and Ean will be proof that I know of your presence here. All I ask is that you come to me, each of you, either together, or on your own if you wish, once a week just to let me know how you are getting along, what you think of the city and if you have any suggestions. And, of course, if there is any trouble, I expect to be notified. You can come to me with anything." His gaze stopped on Fox and his smile was sad. "Even if it is simply to stand there and yell at me." He let his eyes fall away again and finally stood, careful not to move too fast so he didn't put anyone (namely, Benny, Fox, and Dash) on edge, and opened his arms to the group as a whole, both as a welcome, and as an offering of hugs, though it was hard to see that part when one was new to knowing the siren. "I hope you all enjoy your stay in Haven."
Caiden had listened to Fox and Rafe as they spoke, his gaze flickering back and forth between them. He didn't understand most of what they were talking about and something in him told him it was best to keep it that way. Taking a small breath he stepped out from the doorway of his room and over towards Rafe until he stood a few steps beside him. Turning to Fox he tried to do his best reassuring smile. "Its really not that bad here..you eventually grow to think of it as home." He said to her, glancing at Benny as he did.
Fox tugged on Bennys hand. "Lets get out of here... find a place to stay." Glancing across the room she frowned ever so slightly. "We could all get a really big place to stay together or our own. Its entirely up to everyone." All that mattered was that she be with Benny. Slipping her hand into his she laced their fingers and smiled up at him. It may be nice having a new home. No need to work. Nothing to take care of. Free. If thats what they were.
Ean, knowing Rafe a bit better than most, saw the fury sparking in the siren, despite such a calm countenance and led the way in the appropriate behavior. He came around the couch and easily stepped into Rafe's arms, which were quick to hug him close. After receiving a few gentle, fond strokes of his hair, he slipped away to Fox and Benny, his smile kind. "I think I know of a good place. A row of town homes, most have three or four bedrooms. Come, I will show you." He beckoned them to follow and headed out of the apartment.
Benny watched the little boy walk away with a bit of a frown, then gave Rafe one last brief glare before looking at Dash, his expression slipping in to sad disappointment again. "Are you coming?"
Dash only shook his head, and couldn't quite meet his brother's eyes. "I'm going to stay, just a little while."
Benny's nod was tight, but he did acknowledge the decision. "I'll come get you when we're settled."
"And I will come," Dash promised, knowing Benny would yell at him for hours if he refused to go when his brother and sister-in-law were ready for him to come home. Well, come to their new house anyway. It wasn't right for him to purposely put them through that suffering.
Once he had received the promise, Benny turned away and went with Fox after Ean to see the first house that might become their new home.
Digression
Conflicted Rules, Conflicted, Conflicts
Stumble!